Bat assembly



March 1, 1938. E, E, MOORE BAT ASSEMBLY f Filed June 50, 1936 INVENTOR.

AAMM.

Patented Mar. 1, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT ori-"ice 20 Claims.

Articles such as clubs, grappling nets, oars, paddles, bats, racquets and the like, due principally to their greater length than width, have long been awkward things to carry from place to place. Especially has this been so when travelling a sufficient distance to require other luggage such as travelling bags and trunks. Travelling bags, sometimes even trunks, are generally not large enough to accommodate suchl articles. Often such wanted articles have been left at home simply because of their inconvenience in transporting them.

Greater inconveniences were the result when necessary accessories had to be carried with a bat or racquet such for instance as braces to prevent distortion oi the head of the bat or racquet and balls or other missiles to be used with the bat or racquet. Heretofore, no means Was devised to hold the various elements to make up a complete equipment in one complete assembly for carriage or shipment. Often the brace would become lost or mislaid with the result that its use would be dispensed with to the detriment that the bat head would become distorted, it being well recognized that even a slight distortion of the bat head would noticeably aiiect its dependability in play, especially has this been true with tennis racquets. Often perfectly good balls, birds, shuttlecocks, etc., would be left behind cr lost requiring unnecessary purchase of new ones simply because no convenient means was available for keeping such missiles and racquet in a single compact assembly.

Such inconveniences were especially true in the games of tennis, ping-pong, battledores and badminton.

An object of this invention is to obviate theabove faults and inconveniences and provide a means and method for compacting such lengthy pleasure articles and the like.

Another object is to provide a means and method whereby such articles and associated accessories can be compacted into a single portable unit.

Another object is to provide a means and method for compacting such articles and accessories so that they coact together to form a complete interlocked assembly. l

A still further object is to provide a bat assembly which includes sectional parts which may be applied to the head of the bat to brace it and prevent its distortion.

A still further object is to present a bat assembly which; when not being used for play, is a compact unit, part of whichis used to brace the head of the bat and also to hold a missile holding device, all as a single interlocked unit for carriage. f

And a still further object is to provide the necessary materials, joints, grips, etc., to make a complete and practicable bat assembly, for lasting beauty and service.

Further objects will become apparent from reading the specication and appended claims. It is understood, however, that the accompanying drawing, and specification are presented merely to illustrate and describe one or more forms of the invention and are not to be taken in the sense of limiting the scope of the invention except as limited by the appended claims.

The invention is shown in connection with a tennis racquet but, it is within the purview of this invention to include other forms of bats and objects some of which are those used in badminton, battledores, ping-pong etc., and sporting objects such as oars, paddles and nets which may be advantageously compacted by sectionalizing the handle part and bringing it into embracing relation with the other end of the object. Likewise, the ball holder described may be, by making minor changes, adapted to hold birds, shuttlecocks, small balls, etc., and not limited to holding tennis balls, as illustrated.

Figure 1 shows an elevation of a bat of the tennis racquet type with the handle elements in bracing position on the head of the racquet and a ball carrying unit attached to the head.

Figure 2 shows an end view of the` racquet of Figure l without the ball carrying unit, the handle elements being in normal position for tennis court use.

Figure 3 is an elevation of a modified form of tennis racquet similar to the arrangement shown in Figure l.

Figure 4 is an end view of the racquet shown in Figure`3 without the ball carrying unit, the handle elements being in position for play.

Figure 4a. shows an insert for the lhandle of Figure 4.

Figure 4b is a section of the insert taken on the line 4b-4b of Figure 4a'.

Figure 5 is a sectional View taken on the line 5 5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is an elevation of still another form of theinvention showing the parts assembled `as in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a section substantially along line 1--1 of Figure 6.

One form of the invention as shown in Figures 1 and 2 will rst be described. The head when they are brought together.

of the racquet has the usual bent frame I joined to the handle 2 by the curved portion I'. The handle 2 has two component parts 2 and 2" both of which in normal playing position are held together by a heavy rubber band 3 or any other suitable means that may be used for this purpose, such as a snap latch or other coupling device. The part I is a ange at the end of the handle to prevent the band 3 from working o the handle when vused in play. The handle 2 is preferably of strong light weight metal such as is used for structural members in the manufacture ofaircraft, for instance, alloys containing a large proportion of aluminum mixed with various stronger metals such as copper, nickel and steel. The surfaces of the handle should be highly polished or chromium plated for appearances and service. The hand grip section of the handle may, however, be roughened to prevent it from slipping while in the hand of the player.

Rivets or machine screws 5 forming a pivot joint pass through both sides of each handle section 2' and 2" and a U-plate 6. The plate being shown as partly sunk intothe bottom part of the frame Iv for strength and rigidity. The plate may be fastened to the frame bottom and frame extensions at I in any suitable manner with screws, bolts, rivets, etc. As shown best in Figure 2; both sections 2 and 2 of .the handle 2 are slotted, the slots being of proper dimensions to receive the frame I. These slots should be 'of the same conguration as the frame sides so as to make a snug fit at all points of contact The sides of the sections are shown as rigidly held between the heads of the rivet or screws 5 and the U- plate 6. The pivots 5 firmly hold the associated parts together permitting however by the use of medium force, the handle sections 2 and 2" to be swung in opposite directions to embrace the frame I, the frame passing into the slots 1 oi the handle sections.

The slots 'I are of predetermined size to tightly t and grasp the frame I at a plurality of points so as to prevent the frame from changing its configuration. Warping due to change of humidity of the atmosphere or the unequal pull of the strings 8 is not of infrequent occurrences and a brace of some nature is almost indispensable. Due to the rounded contour .of the outer edges of the frame I, the slots 'I canbe easily brought into gripping engagement with the frame. Because .of the relative positions of the handle ends and pivots a fulcrum action results by pulling the handle sections` toward each other atthe top of the frame I and will require but slight force to press the frame into the slots. Such pressing action will place strain upon the U-plate 6 but not upon the lower or any part of the frame. When the frame is tightly gripped by the elements 2' and 2", the frame is firmly held in alignment. A pin a is provided at the end of the handle section 2' to engage a hole b at the end of handle section 2" to hold the sections in alignment when they abut one another in playing position. A

'I'he rivets or screws 5 should tightly bind the' associated joint elements together so that there will be" no loose play between them when the handle is in playing position. Lock or spring washers may be'placed just under the heads of the rivets or screws 5 or between the handle sections and the U-plate.

2 and 2" to hold it on the strings l. Pocketlike receptacles I of half spherical shap'e are provided to grip balls II and are aillxed fo the plate by brazing or welding or by any other suitable means. The receptaclesv I0 are preferably slightly more than a half sphere so Vthat some appreciable force must be used to place the balls in them. A finger hole should be placed through the bottom of each receptacle I0 and the plate 9 beneath so that the balls may be easily pushed out of the receptacles.

Figure 1 presents the entire assembly of a tennis racquet, head-brace and ball holder, all as a single unit. Obviously, a cover made of thin rubber or other material may be placed over the entire assembly for protection from dust and rapid changes of temperature and humidity. Such a cover may be closed by s nap fasteners or by zipper means.

A form of the invention as shown in Figures 3 to 5 inclusive will now be described. This form of the invention shows a tennis racquet with a head section having a frame I and frame ends I5'. Strings of wire, gut etc., I6 are strung or otherwise placed to the frame I5. 'I'he frame may be made from Wood or metal as is common practice in the racquet industry. Handle section II includes two half handle portions I1 and Il" pivoted at 20 by any suitable swingable joint or hinge. The handle may be made of a satisfactory strong fibre material or preferably light-weight but strong metal. When the two component partsI'I and I'I making up the handle I 'I are in abutting relation, the rounded element I8 acts as a stop to prevent the racquet from slipping from the hand of the user; One end of the handle 2l is shown as reduced in size and threaded to t a female threaded part 22 of` the preferably metal joint element 23. The joint element 23 is firmly xed to the frame extensions I5 by any suitable means such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc.

One of the side flanges of 23 is slotted to receive the nose of a spring pressed plunger in groove 24 of the handle. When the handle parts I1 and I'I are abutted and screwed into the joint element 23 and brought into a tightly screwed position, the plunger in the groove 24 will spring into the slot of the ilange. To release the handle so that it can be screwed from 23, `a thumb grip 25 is pulled downwardly to disengage the slot of the flange and plunger. When the handle is free, the -portions Il and I1 may'then be swung apart and placed over the frame I5 as shown in `Figures 3 and 5.

A slot I9 is provided through both portions Il and I'I" of the handlefortelescoping engagement with the frame I5 when brought together .between I5 and slot sides of I'I and Il tending to resist any torsion or twisting of the frame I5. 'I'he pivot 20 is preferably of the revolvable pin type similar to 'a house door hinge so that, if

desirable, each handle portion I I and Il" may A be independent of one another and separately placed to grip the frame .I5.

A plate like sheet of breor metal 26 having pocket-like receptacles is shown mounted upon the strings I6 for holding one or more balls. Bent straps 28 (Figure 5) having feet 29 support aresilientpreferably metal collar 2'I which sup-AA ports center element. 30 to form pockets 2l of predetermined size to snugly t the balls tobe used with the racquet.l 'Ihe straps 28 are preferably cut and bent from the plate 26. The collar 21 being soldered or welded to 28. Note that the element 38 is curved so that the balls can not accidently be jarred from the pockets. 'I'he flat portions of 2B are of proper thickness so that when the portions I1 and I1" embrace the frame I5, they will also embrace the ball holder 26 and thus present an assembly of a racquet head with its handle and.ball holder as a single disengageable unit.

Figures 4a and 4b show a Igrip element 32 designed to closely fit in the slot I9. The rounded part 32' tting the rounded part 3| of the handle portions. This element 32 may extend for the entire length of slot I9 if desirable but, since a seasoned player rarely if ever grips the handle much above the lower end, the element 32 is show'n somewhat short. The element 32 may be made of any soft or hard material. Sponge rubber is preferred and may extend a. little beyond the breadth of the handle so as to provide a positive grip.

The grip 32 is not necessary, however, for the reason that no part of the hand will normally tend to enter the slot I9 but, since some players is, the grip element 32 is provided.

A slot 33 of the element 32 is provided as a means to permit the element to be readily slipped on to a part of the racquet when the handle is bracing the frame I5. For instance,v 32 may be slipped on one of the handle portions near the pivot 28 before the frame is pressed into the slots I9 and thus be carried with the racquet. When the element 32 is placed in the slot I9, its slot 33 is at right angle to slot I9.

To prevent 32 from being misplaced when engaged in slot I9, a thin n 34, preferably flexible rubber, is provided on each side and on both ends of 32. Fins 34 are to be placed in between the abutting portions I1' and I1" before the handle assembly is screwed into 22 thus, in a viselike manner 32 is held in place.

Figures 6 and 'I will now be described. A frame 35, strung with gut or wire sandwiched between removable plates 43 and 48, is shown embraced by the handle sections 3B and 36". The handle 33 made from the sections 36 and 36" has a rounded upper part 31 joining the frame extensions 35'. Screws 38, preferably wing type so that they can be readily removed by hand, fasten the overlapping ends 31 and 35' rigidly together. By removing one of the screws 38 and retaining the other as a pivot, the handle sections 38 and 36 may be swung to embrace the head or frame 35.- Slots 36" in the handle sections (Figure 7) engage the frame 35 preferably as shown in Figure 6. The strap 4I) with pivots 4I and 42 permitting the sections to be so positioned. The parts 31 and 35' when in joining relation form a curved hole 39 to form a pocket for a ball when the racquet is being used for play or otherwise. The hole 39 has a curved perimeter at right angles to the curve shown in Figure 6 so as to snugly t the spherical suri'ace of the ball and hold it in place.

The plate 48 and the ball receptacle plate 43 are of sufficient size to cover the gut o1` metal 48 however may also be held in place by a flexible wire means 49. The flexible wire 49 pass through holes in plates 43 and 48 and the ends. 50 bent in opposite directions to hold the plates together on the racquet. Obviously the plate 48 may be omitted and the wire ends SII pressed in opposite directions upon the gut side opposite the plate 43. Such an arrangement will' make the ball holder 43 of service in conjunction withA an ordinary racquet. I

'I'he plates may be of some composition such as a fibre board containing rubber or a metal plate coated with paint or plated with chromium to enhance their appearance. The plates 43 and 48 or just one of them may be coated with a black composition which will readily adhere to white chalk so that score may be kept upon them. An elastic strap maybe placed upon the plate to hold a stick of chalk or a chalkpencil.

The plate 43 has mounted thereon, by welding or otherwise, cups 44 to receive the tennis balls 45. The cups are of 'proper size to snugly t the balls. Each cup is a little more than a half hollow sphere so that the balls must be forced in and out of the cups. A nger hole 46 is provided'in the bottom of the cups and thru the plate 43 so that the balls may be pushed from the cups when the plate 43 is free of the racquet. Obviously the pockets 44 may comprise vertical spring fingers to hold the balls, three such iingers being suiiicient for this purpose.

I claim:

1. A bat and the like, the bat having a head section and a handle section, a lower part of the handle section having movable means to grip the head section at a plurality of points about the periphery of the head sections.

2. A device having a head portion and a gripping portion joined together to form a tennis racquet ready for use, the gripping portion having means comprising an elongated open slot large enough to embrace the head portion ata plurality of spaced loci and to coact with the head portion, means holding the portions rigidly together but permitting the portions to frictionally engage one another in a vise-like relation a handle section, means holding the sections rigidly together; means to release the holding means to permit the sections to swing into telescoping engagement with one another, means on the handle section to grip the headsection at a plurality of points to resist change in configuration of both sections.

4. A bat and the like, a head and a handle, one end of the handle being removably attached to a portion of the headv to form a bat ready for play, a slot in the handle of appreciable breadth and sucient length to be telescoped by the head when the handle is removed and forced onto the head in an embracing relation.

5. The bat as set forth in claim 4 in which the handle section is composed of a plurality of separable and cooperable portions.

6. A bat, racquet and the like, a head section and a handle section pivotally connected together, the handle section having a plurality of portions With means to engage the head section at a plurality of points.

'1. A racket or the like having a head section with a periphery frame and a reticulated center, a handle section releasably fixed to the head section, a slot lengthwise of the handle section of suiilcient breadth and length to receive the frame of the racket head.

8. The racket recited in claim '7, the handle section including a plurality of complementary parts having slots.

9. A bat with a head section and a handle section, the head section having a framed perimeter bordering a rebounding wall adapted to be struck by resilient missiles, removable wall elements on either side of the rebounding wall, the handle section having means of proper configuration to telescope and tightly grip the head section as well as the Wall elements to form a single compact unit.

10. A foldable bat and the like, the bat having a head section and a handle section, releasable means joining the sections together to form a bat ready for use, the handle section having a wide slot designed to tightly grip the periphery of the head section at points removed from-said means when the bat is folded for non-use.`

11. A racket and the like, a head section and a handle Vsection, means joining said sections Vrigidly together but, permitting them to embrace one another, the handle having an elongated slot to receive and grip the head, means removably heldin the slot to close a portion of it While the racket is used in play. A

12. A racket and the like, a head and a handle,

means joining them together, said means beingV broad and having an opening therethrough, the sides of said opening being bowed and adapted to tightly hold a ball.

13. In a racket device, a head and a handle, the head being pvoted to one end of the handle so that they can be folded when the racket is not in use, means associated with the handle to grip the head at a plurality of remote points in a viselike manner when the means is slid onto the head.

14. A tennis racket having a head and handle in playing position, pivoted means holding the head and handle together and permitting the handle to swing into contact with the head, a slot in the handle having suiiicient breadth and length to embrace the head and tightly grip it at a plurality of remote points when the head and handle are placed in a non-playing foldable condition.

15. A bat and the like. a head and a handle, one end of the handle being pivotally connected to a portion of the head and held in a playing position, cooperating slotted sections to form the handle, the slots being of sufcient size to embrace the ,head when the bat is folded.

16. A foldable racket including a head section for batting a ball and a handle section for controlling the movement oi' lthe head section, means foldably mounting the sections together, said means including a device mounted upon the head section, the device including studs which pass tightly through the handle section and act as pivots about which the handle can turn to approach the racket head and embrace it.

17. A tennis racket, a head and handle, the handleincluding a plurality of complementary parts, said parts being removably and pivotally attached to a portion of the head independent of one another so that either part may be released and both partsplaced in contact with the head.

18. A racket and the like, a head section and a handle section, means to hold the sections together in position for playing -but permitting them to be placed into embracing relation, the handle section including complementary portions having slots of sulcient length and breadth to receive the head section when they are brought together. g

19. A racket and the like for batting balls, a head section and a handle section, means joining the sections together, the handle section including complementary parts having slots for receiving portions of the head section, said parts being pivoted with respect to one another so that when the head is received by the slots a fulcrum action can be employed to force the head tightly into the slots.

20. In a device'for preventing the distortion of a bat head, a plurality of elongated elements having slots designed to tightly hold the head of a bat when placed in telescoping relation therewith, said elements being pivoted together at one end thereof so that a fulcrumaction can be employed to force the bat head into the slots.

EARL E. MOORE. 

